Guide for lawyers

Going independent checklist for lawyers

A short checklist you can work through, in roughly the order most people need it.

Before you start

  • Check the requirements with your regulator. In NZ, see our guide to going out on your own. In Australia, see our state-by-state guide.
  • Complete the course or courses your regulator requires, such as Stepping Up in NZ or a Practice Management Course in Australia.
  • Write a business plan.
  • Check your professional indemnity insurance obligations and arrange cover.

Set up the practice

  • If you will hold client money, set up a trust account and complete any trust account training your regulator requires.
  • Choose practice management software that suits a small practice.
  • Prepare your client care information and engagement letters.
  • Decide how you will charge and write it down.

Get found

  • Build a simple website with your areas, region and contact details.
  • Set up a Google Business Profile.
  • List on Lawmateanz: free to list, first client match free, then a flat monthly fee, no commission.
  • Tell your network what you do.

How it works for lawyers

  • Free to list, and your first client match is free.
  • After that, a flat monthly fee. No commission and no share of your fees.
  • We check practising certificates before anyone is listed.

Client requests depend on demand in your area and are not guaranteed.

List your practice on Lawmateanz

Free to list, and your first client match is free. No commission and no share of your fees.

List on Lawmateanz

General information, not legal advice. Requirements change, so confirm with your regulator.